PREFACE.

WHILE our chief purpose has been to write a history of the TWENTY-SEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT, yet, to give the work more general interest, we have thought best to include an account of co-operative movements, and the varied fortunes of the places which it was the lot of the regiment to capture or garrison. We gladly acknowledge our indebtedness to Congressman GEORGE D. ROBINSON for such official documents as were needed, as well as for a full set of thirty-two volumes of the United States Roll of Honor," by which much of the fullness and value of our roster became possible; to C. M. LEE of Springfield for a scrapbook of newspaper notices of the regiment during the war; to E. T. WITHERBY, Esq. (formerly a member of the Twenty-Fifth Massachusetts) of Selma, Ala., for information through Southern sources; to Capt. E. L. PECK for personal memoranda covering the entire term of the regiment; and no less to Surgeon D. B. N. FISH for the list of casualties, and to him, with Dr. GEORGE E. FULLER of Monson, for our valuable medical record. We have also to acknowledge the favor of hosts of correspondents and friends.

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The work has received, in advance of publication, the criticism of many prominent officers and men of our regiment; and, while it is not claimed to be perfect, it is hoped it may escape exacting criticism.

As the History is issued under the authority of the regiment, by their unanimous consent, it is heartily dedicated to THE HOMES OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS by

THE AUTHOR.

BATTLES AND
AND ENGAGEMENTS.